Welfare of zoo animals

A zoo is a place where wild animals are exhibited to the public at least seven days a year. There are special rules for keeping animals in a zoo.

Rules on the welfare of zoo animals

The main rules on the welfare of zoo animals are about:

  • Giving animals enough space to express their natural behaviour, like digging, climbing, swimming and nesting.
  • Housing animals in social groups or alone, whatever is natural for them.
  • Giving animals enough space for grooming, growing and reproduction.
  • Guaranteeing the safety of humans and animals. Zoos must have measures in place to prevent animals from escaping. They must also have an emergency evacuation plan.
  • A compulsory registration system that every zoo must have, containing details about the animals, their diet, breeding and care.